DUBAI: Iran's supreme leader pardoned "Tens of thousands" of prisoners including some arrested in recent anti-government protests, state news agency IRNA reported after deadly state crackdown helped quell nationwide unrest.

However, pardon approved by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came with conditions, according to details announced in state media reports, which said measure would not apply to any of numerous dual nationals held in Iran.

IRNA said those accused of "Corruption on earth" capital charge brought against some protesters, four of whom have been executed would also not be pardoned.

Neither would it apply to those charged with "Spying for foreign agencies" nor those "Affiliated with groups hostile to Islamic Republic", state media reported.

Iran was swept by protests following death of young Iranian Kurdish woman in custody of country's morality police last September.

Amnesty International criticised Iranian authorities for what it called "Sham trials designed to intimidate those participating in popular uprising that has rocked Iran".

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 06 2023

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